"WINGS
OF THUNDER, 2008".(Note added Sept' 2004, rewritten April 2008)
They rode the wind on "Wings of Thunder",
with targets to find and tear asunder.
In our 'Time of Need' they answered the call,
to give of their youth and many their all!
Riding the wind over land and sea,
setting aside thoughts of what might be.
Borne aloft on their thundering wings,
parted from home and their cherished things.
Delivering cargoes of deathly intent,
to render the enemy battered and bent.
Braving the Night-fighters, Shells and Flak,
yet knowing that many might never come back.
Trusting to Fate in that fearsome hell,
stricken from flight, many tumbled and fell.
The lucky ones saved by their silken threads,
sent to ponder their war from prison camp beds.
They carried their missions time and again,
facing the fears and taking the strain.
In thousands they thundered the sky in flight,
the extent of their loss still brings tears to the sight.
Yet, no Campaign Medal was cast for these men,
and we must not forget their sacrifice then.
They gave all with honour in horror filled days,
so we look back in awe with humbled praise.
In Bomber Command, the men bold and brave,
with a Nation's cause to serve and save.
Forging a freedom for all to live under,
they rode the wind on "Wings of Thunder".
********
Dedicated to the Valiant Aircrews of
RAF BOMBER COMMAND 1939-45,
particularly the 55,573 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Michael Anthony Roy Skeet, 2004-2008.
*********
An earlier version of the above Poem was selected by the Villagers of Anzegem to be included in the ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of a memorial to Lancaster III JB455 MG-N held in Anzegem, West Flanders, Belgium on the morning of 20 June 2004.
The memorial service was held in the church, there was an additional service at the gravesite and then the dedication of a memorial at the crash site near to Anzegem.
The memorial, which has been funded by the Anzegem Town Council, is in honour of: -
F/S Muir - Reargunner,
P/O Cooles - Navigator,
W/O Devlin - Flight Engineer,
F/S Nicolson - Air Bomber,
F/S Watts - Mid Upper Gunner,
F/S Weston - Wireless Operator,
The above are buried in the Anzegem communal Cemetery.
(N.B.) The pilot, P/O Thomson, survived the crash and evaded capture.
*********
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